urban Shiraz. Some words in Basseri dialect are similar to English words: Region The Basseri are residents of Fars Province, which is noted for its wide range of ethnic groups. The mixing of groups means that most tribes are better defined by political criteria. The traditional lands of the Basseri constitute a strip about long and wide. The land runs from the Kūh-e Būl mountain to the hills west of the city of Lar. The Basseri habitat was originally Fars district; but big Basseri Communities are also in Khuzestan, Isfahan, Razavi Khorasan, Semnan and Tehran. Neighboring tribes include the Nafar tribe and the oppositional Qashqai confederacy. Migration The winter land of the Basseri is in Jahrom, Evaz and north of Larestan County. They stay in Marvdasht, Pasargad, and Eqlid in summers. Many Basseri were forced to settle down and cease their nomadic life in the 1930's by the policies of Reza Shah. Thus, much of the population of the villages and towns, such as Shiraz, trace their ancestry to the Basseri. Tribe hierarchy The chief of the Basseri tribe rules through coercive authority. The main functions of the chief are: to allocate pastures and coordinate the migration of the tribes, settle disputes that are brought to him, and represent the tribe or any of its members in politically important dealings with sedentary authorities. Most matters of law are governed by custom and compromise in the Basseri tribe and is regulated by diffuse sanctions. However the chief will serve as a mediator for cases that can not be solved through tradition because of the matters of the case. The chief is not bound by precedent or custom in his decision, and his decision will be based on what he feels is "best for the tribe". The Darbar consist of Basseri tribe members who are closest with the chief and always migrate with him. Within the Darbar there is a personal valet, master of the stores, a groom for the chief's riding horse, a scribe, and a hunting/drinking companion. Historically, the Basseri were part of the Khamseh tribal confederacy, but its importance both politically and socially has waned in modern times. Textile All packing tools and rugs are locally made, woven by the women. Women's clothes are largely sewn from bought material, while male clothing is bought finished. Basseri tribe rugs (see also Shiraz rug) are asymmetrically knotted, brighter in colours, with